They showed reruns of Season 3 over New Years, and I could not believe how much Eric lost between the last week at the ranch and the finale. It was stunning. Over 80 lbs I think. Not sure how long he had, but most of the finalist have lost 20-50 pounds between the semi-final and final. Danny and Rudy lost 80-90 pounds at home I think, but they went home for 30 days before the semi final and then again before the final. I wonder whether the time at home differs season to season.

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I saw it too--and I was amazed at all of the weight that Eric lost before he left the ranch. But, one insight I got when watching that marathon was that those contestants stay in the 4-5 hrs a day. I don't know anyone who can consistently stay in the gym that many hours a day--especially if you have a job, family, etc.

I have only watched this show in passing before. However, I'm definitely following it this time because Ashley from the pink team is a friend of mine. It was very surreal to see her on the show tonight. In general, I like most of the people on the show, so I think it will be fun.

It was a good show tonight but I don't know how I feel about them having to weigh in while in front of their friends and family. They all ready go through the gamut of emotions on the show so why should they have to go through that before they even get there?

Those were some huge numbers - I wonder if it was not really one week, but closer to 2or 3 weeks - a few days to a week after the hometown weigh-ins to get everyone there, get the medical tests done, and a week on the ranch.

There were some during the weigh-in that I was hoping would be in the bottom, just because we hadn't heard much about them yet - but then when they told some of their story during weigh in I wanted them to do well. First elimination is such a killer!

One thing - is the brother who went home the one with the knee problem?

I watched part of this show for the first time, but all the grunting and crying really irked me. But I did like that nobody was being coddled.

And what is with the drawn out weigh in and kick off process? Is the hostess trying to impress us with her math skills? "Bob, you have two votes, if you get three more, you are off. Harry, you have one vote, if you get four more, you are off. Guys, there are three teams left. One of them needs to have a lower percentage loss than you, or one of you goes home." I wanted to pelt her with something. How about not having a two hour show if you have to draw it out that way?

One thing - is the brother who went home the one with the knee problem?

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Yes.

I don't like the "twist" of the first 2 teams going home for 30 days. As one of them said, they didn't get a chance to even experience the ranch for a short time. What did they learn that they could take home and apply to their lives? Even though one team comes back, they will miss out on some early ranch experiences. And the other team will have gotten nothing.

I don't like the "twist" of the first 2 teams going home for 30 days. As one of them said, they didn't get a chance to even experience the ranch for a short time. What did they learn that they could take home and apply to their lives? Even though one team comes back, they will miss out on some early ranch experiences. And the other team will have gotten nothing.

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I don't like it either - they didn't even get a week. And that gentleman needs a jump start so that (at a minimum) he can tie his own shoes.

when Sunshine and ONeal left, didnt they say they were going to help them or something?

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Oh, that's right. I forgot that Bob & Jillian said they were going to provide some help. While it won't be a full ranch experience, hopefully it will be more substantial than Bob showing up to make lunch with Jenni-O turkey or Jillian teaching them how to store portions in Ziploc freezer bags.

I expect that Bob and Jillian will show up to train them, but they didn't get that week 1 big number or group support. I especially felt that the Yellow Team needed that boost. The Blue Team daughter looked like she has it in her from what little we saw.

I wish that they would send the first 10 or so eliminated players to the Fat Camp in Utah. I understand that it postpones the inevitable, but if they are truly committed to getting these people healthy, a month or two at the Fat Camp would help immensely. Or, they could at least keep them on the ranch for two weeks... first week, the team who wins the weigh in gets immunity for the next week, and then they eliminate two at the second weigh in. Help these people get "it" before they send them home.